What is really the best performing head gasket? there are a lot of choices available these days. I have in my posession two types. I have a set of clean, NOS GM headgaskets from the 1960's and I have a set of old NOS Mr. Gasket copper with an asbestos core headgaskets, thier part number is 1515 or 1616 but I can't find any history on them or how well they lasted or performed. Obviously I could also get Edelbocks over priced metal layred gaskets or Fel Pro ( but fel pro does not have a performance one) So guys, chime in and let's see what pops up......I dont want to be changing gaskets in 4 years when the first set lasted nearly 40. 1964 Bonneville, 389, 4 bbl, 10.5 comp. all original.
Does Felpro not have the #1016 anymore? My 2006 catalog shows them. I've never had a problem with Felpros. I don't know how the thickness compares to originals though. The 1016 is .039".
I've used the felpro 8518 for years with no problems and about 1/3 the price of the 1016's on a 10:1 389 with 400 heads. The 1016 would be better of your racing or need the .039 crush . I ordered a set of head gaskets not felpro from Butler performance that are made from the original dies that has a crush of .045 for another engine, 11.5:1 455 that will be about 500 hp. I have a set of used 8518's I using for mock up, but don't have my mic at home to check them.
So, in your opinion should I just put the copper n asbestos Mr. gasket aside? and just use 8518? or should I use what I have? Is there any advantage to those copper headgaskets such as better heat conduction etc?
You'll want to watch your squish. This requires measuring how far down the hole the pistons are. Then try to keep it around 0.040. If you are running 10.x:1 factory compression then stick with the stock style thin shim gaskets.
8518's are about 12 bucks apiece, so really thats all that is at stake. The gm gasket will need a few coats of copper spray on the block (metal) side and will also need retorqued. The 8518's don't require a retorque. I wouldn't bother with the copper but thats just me.
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